The reserves will also cover the advance of the firing line by long range fire, wherever the ground will admit of it; when opportunity occurs they bring an outflanking fire on the enemy’s position; they protect the flanks against counter-attack; and, in addition, may be called on to supply a fresh firing line after a successful assault, should the enemy take up a second position. 3. _The General Reserves._--This force, which is under the direct control of the commander of the whole force, is to be employed to meet eventualities; it should be prepared to meet counter-attacks, and in the case of success to march rapidly to the front to take up the pursuit; in the case of a reverse the general reserves may serve as a rallying point, but before deciding to hold back such portion of his force for this purpose, the commander must consider whether he cannot achieve success by employing the whole of his available force in breaking down the defence. A commander can only exercise a direct influence on his command so long as he retains at his disposal a portion of his force with which to meet the varying contingencies of an engagement. If he keeps in his own hands a strong reserve, he will have it in his power to take instant advantage of any mistake the enemy may commit, to restore the battle should the leading troops meet with a serious check, to meet a counter-attack, or, in case of need, to provide the additional strength required to drive the attack home. =133.= _Infantry Formations with Regard to Fire._ 1. _Beyond distant ranges_ formations in lines of columns are generally convenient for infantry about to attack. _At long ranges_ infantry in large deep columns offer a better target to hostile fire than when in line. But troops in lines of small columns are less vulnerable than when in line, as they are able to take more advantage of the ground. _At effective ranges_ troops in any formation except lines of skirmishers will suffer heavy losses. _At decisive ranges_ the extended line must be considerably reinforced in order to bring an effective fire to bear against the defence, for no advance can be made within this zone until the enemy’s fire is greatly shaken. 2. It may be concluded, then, that infantry attacking a well armed enemy across open ground will, in the initial stages of the attack, be in lines of company columns, which, as effective ranges are approached, will give way to lines of skirmishers widely extended; and that as decisive ranges are approached and it becomes necessary to break down the enemy’s fire, to enable any further advance to be made without undue loss, the firing line will have to be reinforced until eventually, in order to obtain the maximum fire effect and thus establish a superiority of fire, it contains as many men as can use their rifles effectively. =134.= _Fire._